Lubricating device



March 23, 1937. A, Y. DODGE 2,074,503

LUBRICATIN@` DVICE Filed Feb. l, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet l 82 MT1 Y //5 I 2 62 57 y' l ,lillllll'lllllrllllln l N VEN TOR. 7D/EL. L 00005 A TTORNE Y.

March 23, 1937. A. Y. DDGE 2,074,503

LUBRICATING DEVICE Filed Feb. l, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l N VEN TOR 7D/EL K 00005 ATTORNEY.

Patented Mar. 23, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Lubrication Corporation, corporation of Delaware South Bend, Ind., a

Application February 1, 1932, Serial No. 590,049

Claims.

This invention relates to lubrication devices and particularly to improvements in large lubricant containers and means forwithdrawing lubricant therefrom.

One of the objects of the invention is to facilitate the opening of the lower end of large lubricant containers so that the lubricant may be drawn therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide 10 a lubricant container which may be tightly closed during shipment and transportation, and yet can be opened easily, when desired.

A further object is to provide a support capable of opening the lubricant container and of conducting the lubricant from the container to a lubricant pump.

A further object is to provide a lubricant container having protective means for preventing damage to the inner container walls as during handling.

A further object is to provide a lubricant container having means for guiding the discharge end into proper registration with the support and feeder apparatus with which it is used.

Further objects will be or should be apparent from a reading of the following specification and claims and from a consideration of the accompanying drawings.

Several embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation partly in section showing a truck equipped with a lubricant pump and with a holder for a large lubricant container illustrating an embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a modified form of holder and container and of associated meansfor opening a lubricant container; FiFig2. 3 is an exaggerated View of a plug shown in Fig. 4 is asectional view showing another form' of container with the holder and opening means;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View of a further m'odication of the container;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of another modied form of container to be used with anyv of the,

holders shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through one of the sides of the container shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a, sectional view of a portion of the lower part of another modified form of container; and

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a part of the holder shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4.

Referring particularly to the drawings, I have shown in Fig. 1 a truck 2, equipped with wheels 3 and 4, a handle 5 therefor and an electric motor 6 adapted to drive a plunger 1 of a lubricant pump by means of which lubricant is forced out through the conduit 8. The plunger 1 is mounted for re- 5 ciprocation in a pressure cylinder 9 formed in a support or holder II. The cylinder 9 communicates with a bore I3 forming an inlet passage extending downward through the support II. The support II is provided with an upwardly exl0 tending casing I4 within which is placed a large lubricant container I5 which is permitted to rest upon the support II. The lower end of the container I5 is closed by a head I6 which serves during the shipment and transportation of the con- 15 tainer to prevent lubricant from escaping therefrom.

The closure I6 is formed with a frangible seal I1 at the central portion thereof formed by describing a broken circular scoring on the closure wall, so that all but a part of the seal will be severed from the closure when a directed force is applied thereto, the unsevered portion serving as a hinge upon which the seal may be bent inwardly and held free of the outlet so formed. An inlet stud I8 is centrally mounted upon the support II and is provided with a central bore thru which lubricant may pass to a recess I8 below the stud and thence through the bore I3 into the pump cylinder 9. The outer wall of the stud I8 is conical to conform with a similarly formed surface on the closure I6 about the'seal I'I so as to form a lubricant tight seal between stud and container. The upper end 20 of the stud is cylindrical and has a diameter equal to the diameter of the seal I'I and extends upwardly to/a point above that initially occupied by the sealy I1.

A screen 22 is secured in the recess I9 below the lower end of the stud I8 to prevent the entrance of undesired foreign matter into the pump.

In using a lubricating device as described, it is only necessary for the operator to lift the large container I5 by a windlass or other suitable means and then let it down within the casing I4. As the container is lowered the casing guides the passage of the container downward so that the upper end of the stud I8 contacts with the frangible seal I1 of the closure .I 6 to sever the seal along its scoring leaving it in substantially the position shown in the drawings. Lubricant from the container is now free to ow downward through the bore of the stud I8, into the bore I3 so that reciprocation. of the piston 1 draws lubricant into the cylinder 9 and forces it out through the conduit 8. The conical shoulder adjacent to the upper portion of the stud I8 co-operates with the corresponding conical surface of the closure i6 to provide a seal for preventing the escape of lubricant past the joint between the closure I6 and the stud, the weight of lubricant pressing on the sloping portion of the closure l 6 aiding in effecting this seal.

In Figs. 2 to 9, inclusive, similar parts will be designated by similar numerals and only those parts which differ will be described in detail.

Another form of container is shown in Fig. 2 having an end closure 26 secured in any suitable manner to the container l5 and provided with a centrally located reinforcing plate 2l securely fastened thereto. The closure 26 and plate 2l are formed with contiguous tapped openings 2t adapted during shipment of the container to receive a solid threaded plug (not shown) which effectively seals the opening. When it is desired, to dispense the lubricant in the container l5, a hollow externally threaded sleeve 29 is substituted for the threaded plug used during transportation and handling of the container. The sleeve 29 is stopped by a removable plug 32, during the process of associating the container l5 with the holder. The plug 32 is shown in enlarged detail in Fig. 3 and is tapered at its inner end 33 to facilitate entrance into the sleeve 29. It is further formed with a bulge at 3ft to prevent it from being accidentally expelled from the sleeve and is provided with a split 35 which allows it to contract as it is driven into the sleeve. The structure of the plug causes the split prongs to spread apart normally especially at the bulge 39 to increase the frictional resistance and prevent accidental dislodgement.

The holder or support 36 for the container provides a ledge 3l upon which the lower end ci the container is adapted to rest. A stop 38 is secured to the support 3G against which the lower end of the plug 32 is adapted to rest while lubricant is being dispensed by the pump. 'Ihe support 35 is also provided with a chamber 39 into which lubricant flowing downward through the sleeve 29 after the plug 32 has been lowered, may pass from the container l5.

An annular gasket d3 is'disposed at the mouth of the chamber 39 and held in place by an annular plate @L The gasket is formed to admit the sleeve 29 therethru and to establish a lubricant tight seal therebetween. A bore ll2 extends thru the lower wall of the chamber 39 and is aligned with the axis of the chamber and the gasket |93.

In assembling this form of lubricant container, with the holder a support 36, the solid threaded plug previously mentioned is withdrawn from the threaded bore 28, and the sleeve 29 closed with the removable plug 32 is substituted. The container l5 is then inverted and lowered and the sleeve 29 inserted through the gasket 23 with the removable plug 32 extending down through the bore 152. Thereafter the plug 32 is pulled down until' it contacts with the stop 38, permitting lubricant to ow down through the sleeve 29 into the chamber 39 and to the cylinder 9. Lubricant will not pass out through the bore i2 inasmuch as that bore is closed by the upper or bulged end of the closure plug 32.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the means for closing the lower end of the container l5 comprises a closure 5l formed with an inwardly extending conical walled outlet 55, the inner surface 53 of which forms a seat for engagement with a lubricant conducting stud 61 having a similarly formed outer wall 'l2 as shown in Fig. 9. The outlet 55 is closed during transportation by a resilient plate 56, secured adjacent to its edges to the closure 5i and spaced apart therefrom in any suitable manner, as by rivets and spacers 5l and 54 respectively. The plate 56 is formed with a plurality of annular ribs 53, which lend resiliency to the plate and allow it to be flexed during the dispensing operation to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4. However, the resilience of the plate and the weight of lubricant above it maintains the plate during transportation and handling upon its seat in contact with the rim ofthe outlet opening 55 so that an effective seal is provided to prevent the escape of lubricant. A support tl for the container shown in Fig. 4 having the primary function of the support ll is provided with a cylindrical flange 52 within which the lower end of the container is received. The support tl is also provided with a central opening 93, thru its upper wall, a chamber 52 forming a passage connecting said opening to the pump cylincler 9, and a drain opening t5 normally closed by a plug t5. The lubricant conductor stud tl extends above the upper surface of the support 9i and is provided with a ange t8 which rests upon a gasket 59. The gasket is supported upon an integral inwardly extending iiange 52 formed on the inner wall of the opening 63. The stud 5l is formed with a central bore 59 through which lubricant is adapted to pass downward into the chamber lill, and the conical walled portion 'i2 is sufciently above the upper surface of the support as to contact with therconical portion 53 of the closure 5l and thus form a lubricant tight' seal therebetween. A cylindrical extension I9 is formed above the conical portion l2 of the stud 5l the upper end of which is formed with a plurality of semi-circular cut-outs ld so that lubricant may readily flow into the bore 59. A screen 'll is positioned in the chamber tl for straining the lubricant as it enters the chamber Gli thru the stud 5l.

When the lubricant container shown in Fig. 4 is reversed and placed upon the support El, the extension i3 contacts with the resilient plate 55 and raises it from its seat to the position shown. Thereupon lubricant may pass between the plate 56 and the closure 5l, over the conical walled portion 53, through the cut-outs 'l and the bore 69, into the chamber ASli. After reaching the chamber @il the lubricant may pass through the screen ll into the cylinder 9 where it may be forced out thru the conduit 8 by the lubricant pump to a suitable nozzle connected therewith.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 the container cylinder l5 is provided with a closure 3| identical to the closure 5I shown in Fig. 4, except for the method of fastening it to the side walls of the container, having a similar conical walled outlet 55. It is adapted to cooperate with a holder '6l shown in Fig'. 4. However, instead of the resilient closure 59. I provide in this modincation a cap or cover 92, provided with a fiange 8f3 which is held in place over the outlet 55 by a pair of diametrically opposed spring clips i6 secured to the closure 3l. The ang'e 86 is arranged to lie within the annular indentation formed about the conical outlet serving to prevent lateral displacement of the cover. The operation and utilization of this form of container, holder, and opening means is substantially the same as previously described in connection with Fig. i.

Normally the spring clip 'l5 and the weight of the'lubricant holds the cover 82 in place. When the container is inverted and placed upon the support 8| however the extension 13 of the stud 81 engages With the cover to retain the cover against descent as the container is lowered in place. During this operation the spring clips will yield to release the cover.

In Fig. 6 I have shown a container formed by a smooth cylinder 86, a lower end closure 81, a 10 corrugated outer protective cylinder 88, and a corrugated upper closure 89. Both of the closures 81 and 89 are provided with a pair of peripheral flanges which form grooves in which the ends of the cylinder may be inserted. The

upper closure 89 may be provided with a vent opening 9| adapted to be closed during transportation by a plug. The container itself is provided with a follower piston 92. The lower end closure 81 is formed with a conical Walled outlet opening 96 normally closed by a plate 91 hinged at 98, formed with a central threaded socket 99. The hinged plate 91 is normally held tightly in contact with the edge of the opening 98 by a thumb screw |82 fastened through a locking plate |03 bearing upon a packing |08 which in turn bears upon the outside of the conical wall of the outlet 98.

In assembling this form of container, the

smooth cylinder 88 is rst telescoped into the groove formed at the outer edge of the closure 81. The corrugated cylinder 88 is then telescoped over the smooth cylinder 86, its lower edge contacting with the outer peripheral flange. The lubricant is then put into the cylinder and the follower is placed over the lubricant. Thereafter the peripheral ilanges of the' closure 89 are telesooped over the upper end of the smooth cylinder 88, one of the flanges thus bearing against the upper end of the corrugated cylinder 40 88 and holding it in position. In opening the container, the thumb screw 99 is first removed and the plate |03 together with the packing |04 is removed. The container is next placed upon one of the holders shown, in Figs. 1, 4, or 5. The extension 13 of the stud 61 associated with the holder causes the plate 91 to move upon its hinge and thus allow lubricant to escape downward through the opening 96 into the chamber of the support.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 8 is in many respects similar to that shown in Fig. 6, and like parts are indicated by the same numerals. However, the plate 91 is not hinged and the screw |02 is securely fastened to the plate 91, a sealing cover |05 being also securely fastened to the plate 91 above the head of the screw |02. A ilanged plate |06 is adapted to contact with the wall of the conical walled outlet 9B and a thumb nut |01 is v turned onto the screw |04, thus maintaining the parts in their proper relationship during shipment. However, the removal of the thumb nut |01 allows the removal of the flanged plate |06 and allows the plate 91 to be removed from its seat by the extension 13 of the stud 61 ofthe holders as those shown in- Figs. 1, 4 and 5.

It is to be understood thatthe above described embodiments of the invention are for the purpose of illustration only, and various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a lubrication device, a container for lubricant, a closure for the lower end of said container formed with a frangible seal, the relationship between the rupturing pressure of said seal and the weight of said container being such as to cause said seal to rupture under a force in pounds less than the weight of said container, a support for said container including a lubricant conducting stud so arranged on said support as to extend through the frangible seal of said closure @nder the force of gravity acting upon the czntainer when the container is in place thereupon and to cooperate with the wall of said closure to provide a lubricant tight seal therebetween.

2. In a lubrication device, a container for lubricant having a relatively thin wall with an outlet opening therein, the wall around said opening forming a seat, a support for said container, an inlet stud on said support, and means for closing the lower end of said container comprising a member resting upon said seat and closing said outlet opening, said stud engaging said member when the container is placed on the support to raise the member from the seat and to estabwhen lowered upon said support and for cooperating with the end wall of the container to provide a lubricant tight seal between the container and the stud.

4. In a lubrication device, a container having a closure for one end formed with an outlet passageway, and a resilient plate secured at a plurality of points about its periphery to said closure covering said passageway at the inner end thereof yieldingly to close the passageway.

5. In a lubrication device, a container having a closure for one end formed with an opening, and a resilient plate secured to said closure within said container and covering said opening, said plate being formed with a plurality of annular ridges.

6. In a lubrication device, an original package container for lubricant having a closure for one end, said closure having a circular conical walled outlet opening extending inwardly of the container; and a cap on the inner side of said closure for closing said opening said cap being movable relative to said container to open and close the outlet opening.

7. In a lubrication device, a container having a closure for one end secured permanently thereto, having a conical walled outlet opening extending inwardly of the container; and a cap on the inner side of said closure for closing said opening, said cap having a flange extending about the outer wall of said outlet.

8. In a lubrication device a `container having a closure for one end permanently secured there- 1 to, having an annular internal depression, and a sure having an annular internal depression, andV a concentric outlet opening; a cap for said opennomme with the inner wall of the closure, yand e, resilient plate within the container segured at a plurality of points about its peripherelirtion to the inner wall of said closure to cause said plate yieldngly to beer upon the walls of said opening normally 5 to close the opening.

ADIEL Y. DGDGE. 

